Bach and Handel Chorale Christmas Concert dates

The Bach and Handel Chorale will perform a program of seasonal music beginning at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 21 Race St., Jim Thorpe, at 3 p.m. on Dec. 3.

The chorale will file into St. Mark's to a rendering of "Adeste Fidelis," arranged by Maestro Randall D. Perry, artistic director and conductor of the chorale.

An antiphonal choir, consisting of chorale members Angela Mosley, soprano; Samantha Yachera, alto; Edward Sayre, tenor; and Daniel Evans, bass; will echo from the rear of the church as the chorale sings "While Shepherds Watched," a traditional Christmas carol.

Audrey Hart, soprano soloist, will sing the Christmas Anthem "Rise Up, Shepherd" by David Paxton. Other carols range from the beloved "The Little Drummer Boy" to "Mary's Baby," an African American Spiritual; "Ding Dong Merrily On High," a 16th century carol; and the traditional English carol, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen."

Others include the "Panis Angelicus" with text by Thomas Aquinas and music by Cesar Franck, and "In the Bleak Midwinter," to round out the program.

As in past years, the audience will have an opportunity to join in singing traditional carols, including "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," "Silent Night" and "Joy to the World."

In closing the chorale sings "Dona Nobis Pacem" from Bach's "Mass in B Minor," as well its signature closing, "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's "Messiah."

Other Christmas concerts will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 at St. John's Lutheran Church, 106 Main St., Ringtown; and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11 at St. Paul's UCC, 1249 Trexlertown, Road, Trexlertown.